Prizes were presented to the first three in each of the two races, with the Sgt Thomas cup awarded to the race winner who performed best against their repective handicap. For the second year running Paul Daniels took the honours.
The Sgt. Thomas memorial cup was first presented in April 1942, 83 years ago. Fourteen-year-old schoolboy Tommy Thomas joined the club in 1936. Early in WW2 he signed-up with the RAF. He was tragically killed on active service in 1941, aged 19. The cup also remembers Ted Thomas, Tommy's brother. Though not a racer, Ted was a long term member and supporter of the club.
Silverware retained
Brian Thomas presented the cup that remembers his uncle and father to 2024 victor Paul Daniels. A much appreciated jar of Odette Thomas's honey was also provided to the winner (photo: Norman Jones)
Paul Daniels pipped Nicola Sanderson in the first race
The handicapper's clock showed Paul to be fastest against his handicap over the two races (photo: Norman Jones)
James Norton bested the field in the second race
... but could not best the handicap
Brian spoke of the history behind the magnificent cup (photo: Norman Jones)
Sgt Thomas Wade Thomas (Tommy) 7 April 1922 - 13 November 1941
The Sgt. Thomas memorial cup was first presented in April 1942, 83 years ago. Fourteen-year-old schoolboy Tommy Thomas joined the club in 1936. Early in WW2 he signed-up with the RAF. He was tragically killed on active service in 1941, aged 19. The cup also remembers Ted Thomas, Tommy's brother. Though not a racer, Ted was a long term member and supporter of the club.
Tommy's nephew Brian Thomas joined the club at Easter 1967, aged 11.
In April 2021, whilst our races were till suspended due to Covid 19, some reminiscences across the decades and the 80+ years of the Sgt Thomas cup were shared by Brian. Follow this link for some facinating history
Thomas Wade Thomas (Tommy) joined the club in 1936, aged 14. Just five years later (on 13 September 1941) he died when his Blenheim bomber crashed on take-off from RAF Watton, Norfolk. All four crew on board were killed plus one airman on the ground. Tommy was a wireless operator/air gunner and is buried in Willesden New Cemetery. In those early years of the war the RAF incurred almost as many casualties in air accidents as in action.
At the time of the crash Tommy’s father was serving in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, his sister in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force, and his brother Ted in the Middlesex Regiment. The following Easter, 1942, the cup was donated to the club to be raced for annually.
Brian joined the club in April 1967
April 1968. Oldest and youngest swimmers - Louis Fabre (into his 80s) and Brian (pre teens)
In 1972 Brian was elected to the club committee, aged 16. He served as club President from 2001 to 2004, and Hon. Secretary from 2009 to 2017. Brian also worked as a lifeguard at the Serpentine Lido in the 1980 and 1981 summer seasons.
First group of racers assemble on the board in the early morning spring sunshine
(photo: Norman Jones)
Race well underway as Chris Hatcher hears the handicapper's call
Tight at the turn (photo: Norman Jones)
Thanos and Mike kept a close eye on performance
Nicola Saunderson pushed herself hard all the way, buy could not match victor Paul Daniels (photo: Norman Jones)
Nichola worked hard to consolidate her second place
The rest close on Nicola's heels
A valient 200m effort by Nicola
Second group of racers take their places
Clock running. Deirdre oblivious.
Still strung out at the turn
James Norton closing in on the finish, chased by a competitive shoal.
A big spalch from James, almost there.
They counted them out. Now they count them in.
Bumping and boring over. Time to take stock and chat.
Tommy Thomas, 1922 - 1941
Summer 1941
Ted Thomas, 1919 - 1984
Summer 1944 (Rome)
(Report compiled by Brian Thomas. Images provided by Brian and the club's archives, unless credited to individuals)